Banned Basketball

[DC Fan]

There's an interesting story behind these images from the Big Ten women's basketball tournament.

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20100305a0000a.jpg

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20100305a0575.jpg

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20100305a0000c.jpg

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20100305a0301.jpg

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20100305a0605.jpg

These pictures should not exist and never should have been taken because the camera was too professional. Or the lens was too long. Or for some other reason that no was was certain about.

The images came from a XTi and a 70-300mm IS USM lens at Conseco Fieldhouse, the same equipment that had been allowed inside for several sporting events over the last few years. The equipment was cleared by the building's security before the same with no objection. It wasn't until the first half of the game was over that one of the Big Ten's photo supervisors objected to the equipment used.

Checking with Fieldhouse people produced several explanations, including one person who the building had to follow big ten rules, another person who said the lens was too long, and another who wasn't able to find anyone who had an answer. Of course, no one ever said what damage a long lens would do to the event.

It was a strange experience and one that was useful, because now there will be no question in the future about which events to attend and which facilities to avoid. It also confirms a suspicion that the "larger" the event, the more control some organizations want over the event. Fortunately, this area has many, many more events to attend where the organizers don't have that need for control.

[AP64]

Is it just because you had a ticket for a seat, and not media credentials? I think someone was having a bad day, and they were taking it out on you.

[zelseman]

If they have rules for the gym regarding lens length, and your lens violated that, then they have every right to not let you take pictures. This isn't un heardof.

[Sledhed]

Their house, their rules!

[MJPhotos24]

All I can really say is no s**t! This ain't new!

[Dan-o]

It is like getting pulled over for doing 62mph in a 60 zone. Sucks but at the end of the day you were wrong and broke the rules.

[clarence]

It is like getting pulled over for doing 62mph in a 60 zone. Sucks but at the end of the day you were wrong and broke the rules.

I think the OP's point is that the rules aren't posted, he cleared security, was stopped in the 2nd half, and got 3 mixed responses when asking for clarification on the restriction.

I checked the site...
http://www.consecofieldhouse.com/arena-info/fan-guide/
Camera/Video Equipment
"Still" cameras are permitted at Pacers and Fever games. League rules prohibit video cameras. During other events this policy may vary, and guests may be asked to check such items at Guest Relations in the Clarian Health Entry Pavilion.

No mention of restrictions on the Big 10 tournament site:
http://www.bigten.org/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/big10-10-wbb-tourney-central.html

So it's more like getting pulled over for going 55 on an unmarked country road... no speed limit signs, but the deputy says that he "thinks" town ordinance says unmarked roads are 45 mph, then lets you off with a warning. No harm, no foul, but frustrating that the rules aren't clearly posted.

[AZAlphaDog]

A couple of things to consider:

The shooting positions on the floor will yield much better results than from the seats (cleaner backgrounds, more light bounces up from the floor, etc.)

but they won't let me sit on the floor to shoot, you say . . .

Well, I say next time there is a game on TV, sit in front of your TV on the floor crossed legged for the entire 20 minute half (the 20 minutes does not including time-outs and TV station breaks) so really it could be much longer than the 20 minutes.

Also remember they don't call it the "hard-wood" for nothing, that floor is not as soft as the carpet in your living room, so think about that for a minute, and while you are thinking about that . . .

If you love basketball so much and photography so much that you must shoot some bball go to the local schools and ask if you can shoot some of their games, but here is the kicker do it FROM THE BASELINE sitting on the floor.

If your response is, "that's too much trouble" or "I just want to get a few snaps during the game" or "I'm too old to sit on the floor for that long" or "my bad knees, or bad back can't take it" or anything like that . . .

If you really want to make decent bball images go to your local school and ask to shoot a few games from the floor and actually do it.

I think sometimes an arena doesn't want to let people in with long lens' because (sometimes) those people with long lens' can tend to disrupt the good time of the other people watching the event.

(Some) people think that just because they have a camera and the guy next to them doesn't that they (somehow) have more rights to obstruct the other peoples views just because they are just "trying to get the shot."

I'm not saying you would do that, just that "sometimes" "regular people with cameras" do wacky things . . .

[katekev04]

When I go to the NHL games here, they won't alow any lens over 6 inches long in.

[clarence]

Yes, and that's a common restriction... same 6" limit at our local MLB stadium. I adhere to it and plan accordingly... I used to bring a 70-300 IS or a 200/2.8L prime instead of a 100-400L.

As long as the restrictions are clear and available (ideally posted on the team's or stadium's/arena's website).

I'd much rather have a clear 6" rule instead of the vague "no professional photo equipment" statement or no mention at all.

So if they say "no detachable lenses", I'll leave my camera at home.

But if they say "no professional equipment" is a Rebel allowed? Especially if you're just wanting to combine your hobby of photography with your hobby of watching sports, and your pictures are truly for personal use only... not for sale to anyone.. not to the athletes, not to their parents, not to the school, not to other fans.

[mattograph]

I think he made this up. The photogs sitting on the floor are WAY too well dressed to be professional shooters! :)

[dlpasco]

But if they say "no professional equipment" is a Rebel allowed? Especially if you're just wanting to combine your hobby of photography with your hobby of watching sports, and your pictures are truly for personal use only... not for sale to anyone.. not to the athletes, not to their parents, not to the school, not to other fans.

Depends. Judge Joe Brown seems to think a Rebel is not professional ;)

[blackhawk]

Yawn... they should be grateful someone even would want to watch them play, let alone shoot it. I might watch a pro game for free... but don't bet on that!

[mattograph]

Depends. Judge Joe Brown seems to think a Rebel is not professional ;)

Well, anyone can be a wedding photographer -- just like I'm pretty sure anyone can be a judge on tv. :)

[dringess]

I've had problems like that at a Big Ten football game. The stadium rules say "no long lens cameras" - what defines a "long lens"? I wish they would be more specific like the 6" rule mentioned in this thread.